10 best game-changing goals in Football

Cristiano Ronaldo helped his national side Portugal enter the final for the first time Euro 2016. Unfortunately, the Real Madrid forward was injured in the 17th minute. Eight minutes later, Ronaldo was carried off the field. His eyes were filled with tears as it was the final against France. Eder, a substitute replaced Ronaldo. He scored the winning goal in the 89th minute. Portugal beat France 1-0 in the final to win their first and major title in the history of Portugal. Ronaldo finally got a piece of silverware while playing for the national side.

Liverpool entered the final of the 2005 Champions League final as underdogs. They were to face a very good side Serie A side AC Milan in the final. As expected, AC Milan were leading 3-0 in the first half with goals from Maldini and Crespo.

However, in the second half, there was a brilliant turn around. Liverpool’s captain, Steven Gerrard scored 3 back to back goals within six minutes to make it 3-3 at full time. Later, Liverpool won the game on penalties to secure a famous victory. The Champions League final in Istanbul is regarded as one of the greatest matches in the history of football.

Spain was known for underachievement in the World Cups. But in the year 2010 World Cup, Spain entered the World Cup Final. They had a brilliant squad and looked the best at that time. The game was 0-0 in the final against the Netherlands. It forced the game to be increased by another 30 minutes. Luckily, Andres Iniesta kicked the ball into the net in the 116th minute. It is regarded as one of the iconic goals of this era.

City were 2-1 down after 90 minutes on the final day of the 2011-2012 season. In the extra minutes before full time, Edin Dzeko hit the equalizer. It was followed by Sergio Aguero’s winning goal against Queens Park Rangers. The 3-2 victory over QPR helped Manchester City lift Premier League title after a long gap of 44 years.

Sergio Ramos against Atletico Madrid in the 2014 UEFA Champions League Final

Real Madrid had not won a Champions League Final since 2001/02 season. They entered the final of the 2013/14 UEFA Champions League against Atletico Madrid with a desire to win the 10th European Cup. Atletico Madrid were leading 1-0 at 90 minutes but Sergio Ramos made Real Madrid escape a loss in the extra time as he hit the equalizer in the extra time before full time.

It was a complete turnaround. Real Madrid scored 3 more goals to win the La-Decima after the match was extended to extra 30 minutes.

Germany were looking unstoppable as they entered the World Cup 2014. They defeated top sides like Brazil to enter the final of the World Cup against Argentina. However, Messi’s side gave a tough fight to Germany as the game as it was still 0-0 at the final time.

It forced the game to be extended for another 30 minutes. Mario Gotze scored the only goal of the game to help Germany win a major international trophy after 18 years. One of the best goalkeepers, Joachim Loew finally got the taste the World Cup victory after losing by narrow margins on a number of occasions.

It was a famous time period for Manchester United under the regime of Sir Alex Ferguson. United came 0-1 down from behind to defeat Bayern Munich in last 3 minutes of the 1999 UEFA Champions League Final. Sheringham equalized for United in the 90th minute and the winning goal came from Solksjaer. United were rewarded for their bravery, they lifted the Cup in 1999.

Diego Maradona is one of the greatest players to play football. The former Argentine captain took Argentina to victory after scoring the winning goal in the 1986 World Cup in Mexico. He single-handedly beat the complete English defense. It is known as the ‘best goal of all time’.

It was more than a goal for Maradona due to the Malvinas war. Argentina defeated England 3-2 in the quarter-final and went on to defeat Germany 3-2. Maradona went on to become a household name, he appeared for Argentina in four World Cups.

Pele made a bicycle kick for the first time against Belgium in the year 1968. Not just the keeper, the entire audience was stunned by seeing Pele’s brilliance as he hit the bicycle kick in the air for the first time. It may not be the game-changing moment of football but it was certainly an amazing kick that redefined football. These days the best footballers are not able to do it. Pele is a three-time World Cup winner with Brazil.

The final game of the 1988-89 English football league season took place at Anfield between two top sides Liverpool and Arsenal. Arsenal needed just 2 goals to claim the Premier League title. Micheal Thomas scored the second goal in the 89th minute. Gunners won the PL title as Merseyside crumbled 2-0 at home. Liverpool were placed second.

FC Barcelona defeated Sampdoria UC 1-0 to win the first European Cup in the year 1991/92. Ronald Koeman scored the only goal in the extra time of the final at Wembley Stadium. Barcelona won their first Champions League title and it started a new era for Barcelona. He played as part of dream time during his stay at Barcelona from 1990-1995.